Electric switch



1944- H. L. VAN VALKENBURG 2,353,912

ELECTRIC SWITCH Original Filed Jan. 21, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR fiernzorz l. l dak lislz g.

1944- H. L. VAN VALKENBURG 2,353,912

ELECTRIC SWITCH Original Filed Jan. 21, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 fly K O H m m Wm w 11 A 1 4 P @J/ E m y r 1 f 1 vi i 1 M P m MW M. H m 2 v 1 5 W @i 7 w. 6 7L y I l Patented Nov. 28, 1944 2,363,91g ELECTRIC SWITCH Hermon L. Van Valkenburg,

Wauwatosa, Wis., as-

signor to Square D Company, Detroit, Mich., a

corporation of Michigan Original application January 121,456. Divided and this 21, 1937, Serial No. application March 31, 1941, Serial No. 386,180

Claims.

This invention relates to electric circuit controlling instrumentalities and more particularly to mechanical interlocks between electromagnetically operated switches.

This application is a division of my application, Serial No. 121,456, filed January 21, 1937, for Electric switches.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved form of mechanical interlock which shall be positive and foolproof in operation, and more particularly adapted for vertically spaced electromagnetically operated electric switches.

Other objects and features of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following specification and the appended drawings illustrating certain preferred embodiments of the invention in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a mechanical interlock according to the present invention applied to vertically spaced electromagnetically operated switches.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1 with the upper switch in closed circuit position.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 with the lower switch in closed circuit position.

The interlock, according to Figures 1 through 3, is shown as applied to vertically operable electromagnetic switches or contactors indicated generally at 5|, 52 which may be of the form disclosed and claimed in the copending application of Josef Bierenfeld and Lawrence G. Maechtlen, Serial No. 97,532, filed August 24, 1936, for Electric switches. The operating parts for these switches include levers 53 pivoted to switch mounting plates 54 and with generally vertically movable members 55 pivoted to levers 53 by pins 56 which carry the actuating armatures 51.

Rigidly connected to the pivoted levers 53 are extensions 58 and 59 having angle portions 6i and 62. Upon a support 63 is rigidly mounted a bracket 64 carrying a pair of pivoted elements 65 and 66 having interfering rollers 6'! and 68 disposed at the ends thereof. A link 69 interconnects the angle portion 6! and the roller end of the element 65. and a link H interconnects the angle extension 62 and the roller end of the element 66 by means of pivotal connections at both their ends. The operation of this interlock should be readily apparent from an inspection of Figures 1, 2 and 3. In Figures 1 and 2 the switch 5| is in the closed circuit position and the link 69 has been raised so as to rotate roller 61 in a counterclockwise direction into the position shown where it prevents rotation of the roller 68 in a clockwise direction and hence prevents upward movement of the link ll and the contact operating member 55 of the switch 52. In Figure 3 the switch 52 is shown in the closed circuit position and the switch 5| is similarly positively prevented from closing.

The interlock disclosed is quite simple and sure in operation and is seen to require only a slight relative movement of the contact carrying parts to effectuate the interlocking action. Further, it is noticed that the rollers 61 and 68 prevent jamming of the interlock parts if the switches and contactors are energized at the same time, so that the interlock is relatively foolproof in operation.

While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically disclosed, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto as many variations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the invention is to be given its broadest possible interpretation within the terms of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the class described, a pair of electric switches adapted for independent operation to circuit controlling positions, a pair of pivoted levers having rollers at the ends opposite their pivots interfering in certain positions, and links pivotally connected to said levers and to movable parts on said switches, said interfering rollers positively preventing undesired concurrent operation of said switches to certain circuit controlling positions.

2. In combination, a pair of electric switches adapted for independent operation to circuit controlling positions and mounted in aligned, vertically spaced relation, a pair of levers disposed at one side of said switches and pivoted on spaced horizontal axes, links pivotally connected to said levers and to movable parts on said switches, the free ends of said levers interfering in certain positions to positively prevent undesired concurrent operation of said switches to certain circuit controlling positions.

3. In combination, a adapted for independent operation to circuit controlling positions and mounted in aligned, vertically spaced relation, a pair of levers pivoted on spaced horizontal axes, rollers 0n the free ends of said levers, and links pivotally connected to said levers and to movable parts on said switches, said rollers interfering in certain positions to positively prevent undesired concurrent operation of said switches to certain circuit controlling positions.

pair of electric switches- 4. In combination, a. supporting plate, a pair of electric switches adapted for independent operation to circuit controlling positions disposed on said plate in aligned vertically spaced relation, a bracket mounted on said plate at one side of said switches, a pair of levers pivotally mounted on said bracket on spaced horizontal axes, rollers at the free ends of said levers, and substantially vertical links pivotally connected to said levers and to movable parts on said switches, said rollers interfering in certain positions to positively prevent undesired concurrent operation of said switches.

5. In combination, a pair of electric switches adapted for independent operation to circuit controlling positions and mounted in aligned, vertically spaced relation, a pair oi! levers pivoted on spaced horizontal axes, links pivotally connected to said levers and to movable parts on said switches so as to efiect movement of said levers in response to movement of said switches, the free ends of said levers interfering in certain positions to positively prevent undesired concurrent operation of said switches to certain circuit controlling positions.

HERMON L. VAN VAIKENBURG. 

